Quick EscapeCommunity & Cultural Connections
Community & Cultural Connections Programs
Join us to settle into your new home and make meaningful connections!
Newcomer women, youth and gender-diverse folks often face additional barters when settling into their new community and making lasting friendships when arriving to Canada. Our FREE workshops and networking program will help connect you to local services and resources.
Our goal is to help you make new friends, build networks and participate in your community in a way that is meaningful to you. We will do this through providing you with the support that you need to engage, to network and develop cross-cultural connections.
Our services are available online, in person, and over the phone. Call or email us to book an online or in-person appointment with our staff.
Field Trips
Join us to spend time experiencing local gems in our community and service providers that will support your settlement. Together, we will tour our local libraries, banks, community health services, parenting supports and more.
Events and Workshops
Join us to engage in unique events and workshops tailored to help you connect with your community. Together, participants will participate in information sessions related to health, education and housing and will experience cross-cultural networking and connections with local Indigenous peoples.
On-going Workshops:
Baby & Body Wellness Program/Mother's Support
In-Person Workshop | Free of Cost
Where: William Connell Park | When: Every Monday from September 18th – October 30th, 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Red Hill Public Library | When: Every Thursday from September 14th – November 23rd, 10:30am – 12pm
We are more than a fitness class. We are a community of support.
Are you a newcomer new mother or a volunteer who wants to provide support to new mothers? Our New Mothers’ Support Services serve to connect newcomer mothers to local services and resources, provide meaningful networking opportunities, and support you in your post-partum journey.
Connect with your body, baby, and other moms!
Address:
William Connell Park – 1086 West 5th St.
Red Hill Public Library – 695 Queenston Road
Registration is required
Beading Workshop
In-Person Workshop | Free of Cost
Where: N2N Community Food Centre | When: Friday September 29th, October 13th, and November 10th from 12:30pm – 2:30pm
The YWCA Hamilton has an exciting free program that seeks to bridge the gap between Indigenous Canadians and Newcomers identifying as women, gender-diverse or non-binary individuals.
Join us for a 3-session Beading Workshop. Participants will gain awareness on Indigenous perspectives on history, moving beyond land acknowledgement and the importance of cultivating connection to land.
Other information that will be shared: bead theory, beading techniques, types of beads, needles, threads, where to buy beading supplies and much more.
Participants will gain invaluable knowledge.
Address: 310 Limeridge Road West, Unit 10
Registration is required
Connection Through Art
In-Person Workshop | Free of Cost
Where: Putman Family YWCA | When: on-going workshop, please contact us for details
FREE Arts-based program for newcomers to Canada!
JOIN us for a paint meet and greet!
Address: 52 Ottawa Street North
Registration is required
The Art of Cake Decorating
In-Person Workshop | Free of Cost
Where: N2N Community Food Centre | When: September 18th from 1-3pm, September 25th from 10:30am-12:30pm, October 16th from 1-3pm, October 23rd from 10:30am-12:30pm, November 13th from 10:30am-12:30pm, and November 20th from 1-3pm
Join us for a hands-on experience where you’ll learn the basics and secrets of cake artistry. Get ready to dive into the world of cake decorating, design and unleash your creativity!
Address: 310 Limeridge Road West, Unit 10
Registration is required
Bouquet Workshop
In-Person Workshop | Free of Cost
Where: N2N Community Food Centre | When: Friday September 22nd from 12:30pm-2pm
Join us for this hands on workshop, learn about floristry and flower arranging techniques. Plus, here’s the best part: take home a small fresh bouquet of our local flowers!
Address: 310 Limeridge Road West, Unit 10
Registration is required
The Art of Movement
In-Person Workshop | Free of Cost
Where: YWCA Hamilton (75 MacNabt St. S) | When: Monday October 16th and November 13th from 1-3pm
Kick start your movement/physical activity journey with us & create healthy habits to better your life!! Learn about the foundations of movement, exercises, safe and proper alignment and bring the practice of moving safely into your daily life.
Address: 75 MacNabt St. S
Registration is required
Conversation Circles
In-Person Workshop | Free of Cost
Where: N2N Community Food Centre | When: Friday September 15th, October 13th, November 17th, and Saturday December 9th from 12 pm – 2pm
Join us for a casual conversation about life in Canada – whether it be discussing Health & Wellness, Settlement & Integration, Canadian Culture, or just a small talk about the week, these circles help improve English skills through informal group listening and speaking while promoting new friendships and social connections among newcomer women.
Free Childminding depending on location and bus tickets are available.
Address: 310 Limeridge Road West unit 10
Drop-ins are welcome: No prior registration required
Social Trail Walks
In-Person Workshop | Free of Cost
Where: Chedoke Radial Trail (1180 Scenic Dr.) | When: Wednesday September 20th, September 27th, October 4th, October 11th, October 18th, October 25th, November 1st, November 8th, November 15th, and November 22nd from 10:30am-12pm
Are You looking to explore Hamilton trails? Join our social walking groups this fall… walk, hike, stretch, practice your English and more while visiting the most beautiful landscapes and views in Hamilton (The Trails & Water Falls City).
Address: 1180 Scenic Dr. (Meet beside the Trail sign)
Drop-ins are welcome: No prior registration required
Enhanced Supports
Our staff team will support you in providing care for your children while you attend our services. We will also assist you with transportation, translation and interpretation services to make our programming accessible.
To get in touch for more information about Care for Newcomer Children, or to register:
Find out if you’re eligible to join us!
Ready to Join?
To register, complete our online application below.
Have questions about our workshop, networking and mother's support opportunities? Contact us!
Rana Aldibs
Supervisor, Community Connections & Wellness Programs
Email: raldibs@ywcahamilton.org
Phone: 905-522-9922 ext.180
About JOIN
Settlement Counselling
Employment Services
Community & Cultural Connections
Support for Gender Based Violence
2SLGBTQIA+ Safe Spaces
Youth Employment Program
New Mothers' Support
